GB-St. Helens: Highcross Remedial Works

The properties in question are newly constructed retirement flats located within a purpose built complex, the flats were built circa 2010.

The block contains 18nr flats and is located in the Rainford area of St. Helens, Merseyside. (WA11 8GF).

Tender Documentation to be returned via the Tenderbox rather than via post. Form of Tender along with Schedule of works should be submitted before the tender deadline.

The individual flats are suffering from water ingress/ damp around the bay windows. To determine the cause of the water ingress/ damp it was arranged that the external render would be hacked off and to expose the steel member that is located within the cavity wall.

During the investigation it was noted that the windows cills were installed incorrectly and any rain water was running back towards the property and soaking the internal walls. It was also noted during the inspection that the steel member had minimal to no insulation to encase it, there was also no insulation in the cavity walls, this will be causing cold spots to the internal walls along the bay windows.

Additional investigations were carried out to locate the water ingress to the internal ground floor wall located in the entrance communal hallway. On the first floor walkway a number of concrete flags were lifted and water applied to the surface below the concrete flags. It was noted that the water was falling away from the rain water gullies, and pooling above the ground floor communal hallway. It is believed that the water is finding a way through the surface of the first floor walkway and this is what is causing the dampness to the communal walls below.

An investigation of the gutters indicated that the gutters were installed incorrectly and are not falling towards the outlets, which is causing the gutters to over flow when there is heavy persistent rainfall. This will be a contributory factor to the water ingress, please note that the existing gutters are integrated as part of the roof design, further roof repairs might be required.

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.